Winter weather causes travel problems, closes some schools

Following a bitterly cold night, the counties on the Plateau and north of Knoxville reported the worst road conditions early Friday morning.

At the time of this posting, Cumberland County Sheriff's dispatchers report the roads were for the most part drivable. Three hours earlier, the fire department said most of the roads were covered in snow and icy.

Morgan County is reporting that the roads are pretty icy. They are advising people to stay off the backroads if possible.

Scott County dispatchers say the main roads are clearing up while the backroads are still icy. They urge caution while driving.

Several school systems closed due to the winter weather. Some businesses delayed opening too. For a full list click here.

For the most part, Knox County escaped poor road conditions and significant snow.

Meteorologist Mike Witcher expects another winter weather snow system to move into the area Saturday after lunch bringing with it a possible rain/snow mixture. It is expected to last only until Sunday morning.

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TDOT treated roads Thursday night with brine in order to prevent slick roads, especially on bridges and overpasses.

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A winter weather advisory has been issued for most of East Tennessee, with a light snowfall expected in the overnight hours.

A dusting to a inch could fall in Knoxville and the central valley areas. One to two inches are possible on the Cumberland Plateau, and three to six inches are expected in the mountains.

TDOT, along with Knoxville and Knox County road crews are prepared to pre-treat the roads Thursday night, then keep an eye on them in the overnight hours.

Untreated roads could be icy Friday morning.

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Snow flurries are falling across East Tennessee on Thursday, though no accumulation or travel problems are expected throughout the day, though the temperatures will remain chilly in the low 40s.

Light snow showers are also expected in the overnight hours, with some light accumulations possible. There's a possibility of some slick roads early Friday morning, so use caution when you are heading out to work or school. Temperatures will stay in the 30s on Friday, so it will be a very chilly day!

Over the weekend, a wintry mix is in the forecast for Saturday evening into Sunday morning, then it will clear out. Highs will be in the 40s.